INDIANAPOLIS — The American Red Cross announced this week it is facing its first-ever “national blood crisis” with its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.
According to the Red Cross, the shortage has led doctors to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more blood is available.
LaMar Holliday, regional communications director for the American Red Cross Indiana Region, said the pandemic, severe winter weather, supply chain and staffing challenges, and the holidays have contributed to the shortage.
“These challenges have resulted in the lowest national blood inventories in more than a decade,” Holliday said in an email. “At times, as much as one-quarter of hospital blood needs are not being met. What is even more challenging at this time is that blood supply levels have remained at historically low levels now for nearly four months.”
All blood types are needed, but Type O is especially low. The Red Cross reported having less than a one-day supply of some blood types in recent weeks while having to limit distributions to hospitals.
The pandemic has created challenges for the Red Cross with a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood and a 62% drop in blood drives at schools and colleges.
People can make an appointment to give blood by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Donors who give blood or plasma in January will be entered in a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVI in Lon Angeles. People will also be entered in a drawing to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
-
Delphi murders trial to begin after more than 7 years. Here’s what to expect
After more than seven years of waiting, family, friends, and the community of Delphi will officially have their day in court.DMD looking for proposals to redevelop properties on the Central State campus
The Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development is looking for proposals for the potential redevelopment of three properties on the former Central State Hospital site.Secretary of State asking for citizenship verification for over 500,000 voters
The letter cites concerns from voters and local election administrators. They are concerned about the increase in absentee ballot requests from overseas.Meet the Fearas Tour: A home in Irvington dedicated to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
In just 15 days Taylor Swift will bring her Eras Tour to Indianapolis, but a couple of Hoosiers have been working hard to feel her spirit even sooner.